Fine sediment and particulate organic matter: a review and case study on ridge-to-reef transport, transformations, fates, and impacts on marine ecosystems

Bainbridge, Z., Lewis, S., Bartley, R., Fabricius, K., Collier, C., Waterhouse, J., Garzon-Garcia, A., Robson, B., Burton, J., Wenger, A., and Brodie, J. (2018) Fine sediment and particulate organic matter: a review and case study on ridge-to-reef transport, transformations, fates, and impacts on marine ecosystems. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 135. pp. 1205-1220.

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Abstract

Studies documenting the effects of land-derived suspended particulate matter (SPM, i.e., particulate organic matter and mineral sediment) on marine ecosystems are typically disconnected from terrestrial studies that determine their origin, transport and fate. This study reviews sources, transport, transformations, fate and effectsof SPM along the 'ridge-to-reef' continuum. We show that some of the SPM can be transported over long distances and transformed into large and easily resuspendible organic-rich sediment flocs. These flocs may lead to prolonged reductions in water clarity, impacting upon coral reef, seagrass and fish communities. Using the Great Barrier Reef (NE Australia) as a case study, we identify the latest research tools to determine thresholds of SPM exposure, allowing for an improved appreciation of marine risk. These tools are used to determine ecologically-relevant end-of-basin load targets and reliable marine water quality guidelines, thereby enabling enhanced prioritisation and management of SPM export from ridge-to-reef.

Item ID: 55599
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1879-3363
Keywords: suspended particulate matter; turbidity; water clarity; coral reefs; seagrass; Great Barrier Reef; restoration
Funders: National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub, Advance Queensland Research Fellowship, Reef Water Quality Research and Development Science Program (RWQRDSP)
Projects and Grants: NESP TWQ projects 2.1.4, 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.3.1 and 3.2.1
Date Deposited: 17 Sep 2018 22:05
FoR Codes: 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4199 Other environmental sciences > 419999 Other environmental sciences not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9611 Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water > 961102 Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water in Coastal and Estuarine Environments @ 100%
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